In major news since our last update: IndiGo introduces dual-class IndiGoStretch on the Delhi-Pune route from May 23; Noida's Jewar International Airport to commence commercial operations from June 15 with IndiGo as the launch carrier; Air India rationalises its international network through August 2026 citing airspace restrictions and record jet-fuel prices; and SWISS Airlines announces new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich starting October 2026. These and more updates in our May edition.

UAE lifts curbs on airspace, more flights operating on Gulf routes

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has announced the full resumption of normal air navigation operations within UAE airspace and the lifting of temporary precautionary measures, and consequently, Indian and UAE carriers have started operating more flights from the UAE to various destinations in India.

Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs, who is closely monitoring developments in the Gulf, says, “The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India. The UAE airspace is open. Indian and UAE carriers are operating flights from UAE to various destinations in India. Flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations in India. Qatar airspace is partially open.”

Air India rationalises international route network through August 2026

Air India has announced a rationalisation of its services on select international routes between June and August 2026. The adjustments have been made in response to continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices for international operations.

Despite these changes, Air India will continue to operate more than 1,200 international flights every month, retaining a robust network spanning five continents. The airline will proactively assist affected customers with re-accommodation on alternative Air India flights, free date-change, or full refunds as applicable.

Key route changes (June-August 2026):

North America
Delhi-Chicago: temporarily suspended

Delhi-San Francisco: reduced from 10x to 7x weekly

Delhi-Toronto: reduced to 5x weekly through July, restoring to daily from August

Delhi-Vancouver: reduced from 7x to 5x weekly

Mumbai-Newark: increased from 3x to 7x weekly; Delhi-Newark suspended

Europe
Delhi-Paris: reduced from 14x to 7x weekly

Delhi-Copenhagen, Vienna, Zurich, Rome: reduced from 4x to 3x weekly

Delhi-Milan: reduced from 5x to 4x weekly

Australia
Delhi-Melbourne & Delhi-Sydney: reduced from 7x to 4x weekly

Far East, Southeast Asia & SAARC
Delhi-Shanghai: temporarily suspended through August

Delhi-Singapore: reduced from 24x to 14x weekly

Mumbai-Singapore: reduced from 14x to 7x weekly

Chennai-Singapore: temporarily suspended through August

Delhi-Kuala Lumpur: reduced from 10x to 5x weekly

Delhi-Maldives (Malé): temporarily suspended through August

Noida Jewar Airport to begin commercial operations from June 15

The Noida International Airport (IATA code: DXN), inaugurated by the PM on March 28, 2026, is set to commence commercial operations from June 15, 2026. IndiGo will be the launch carrier at the new airport, with Lucknow as the first arrival and Bengaluru as the first departure.

Some IndiGo flights that previously operated from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport appear to have been shifted to DXN. The airport, designed to handle 12 million passengers annually in Phase 1, is expected to significantly ease congestion at Delhi and boost aviation capacity across North India.

IndiGo launches IndiGoStretch (dual-class) on Delhi-Pune route from May 23

IndiGo has announced the introduction of its dual-class IndiGoStretch configuration on the Delhi-Pune route, with bookings open effective May 23, 2026. The flights with IndiGoStretch will operate on the following schedule:

IndiGoStretch offers a premium dual-class experience with complimentary hot meals, beverages, and priority services, operated on A320-family aircraft.

Air India Express launches Pune-Bagdogra direct flights from May 01

Air India Express has commenced a new direct route between Pune (PNQ) and Bagdogra (IXB) effective May 01, 2026 with the following schedule:

Maharashtra cuts VAT on aviation fuel to 7% for six months

Responding to the PM's appeal to reduce taxes on aviation fuel amid rising global crude oil prices and the ongoing West Asia crisis, the Maharashtra government has slashed Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 18% to 7% for six months. Officials said the move is expected to result in an annual revenue loss of around ₹550 crore to ₹600 crore to the state exchequer.

At present, Maharashtra levies 18% VAT on ATF at Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune airports. The tax is 1% at six airports covered under the Centre's UDAN regional connectivity scheme and 5% at other smaller airports in the state. The revised 7% VAT will apply to domestic flight operations, while international aircraft continue to remain exempt from VAT on fuel.

SWISS to launch direct flight between Bengaluru & Zurich from October 2026

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) continues to deliver fantastic news for the Indian market! From the upcoming winter schedule 2026/2027, SWISS will launch a brand new connection from India to Switzerland, i.e., its first ever direct connection between Zurich and Bengaluru, thereby bringing India's famous technology hub closer to Switzerland.

The new Bengaluru service will be the first in SWISS's history to India's fourth-largest city. This new route will operate five times a week (except for Mondays and Wednesdays) with the following schedule:

Along with the already operating direct connections from Mumbai and Delhi, this new connection will further make it easier for Indian travellers from India's Silicon Valley to travel to the rest of Europe and North America from Zurich.

Akasa Air to launch Mumbai-Hanoi direct flights from September 04:

Akasa Air has announced the launch of four-times-weekly direct flights between Mumbai and Hanoi starting September 04, 2026, further expanding its international network.

The 4x service will operate with the below schedule:

This new service will add to the growing India-Vietnam air connectivity.

Thailand cuts visa-free stays for tourists from over 90 countries

Thailand is drastically cutting the length of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries in an effort to curb crime involving foreign nationals. Under Thailand's current tourism scheme, travellers from more than 90 countries - including Europe's 29-nation Schengen area, the United States, Israel and several South American countries Including India - are eligible to visit for up to 60 days without a visa.

The new visa-free duration would be decided on a country-by-country basis, with most foreign nationals granted stays of up to 30 days, while some could receive only 15 days. Thailand was not targeting any specific country, but individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes in the country.

Tourists provided "benefits, such as boosting the economy, but the current scheme has allowed some people to exploit it", government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek told reporters on May 19, 2026.

Schengen visa slots see limited availability ahead of Europe's busy summer travel season

"Appointments for submitting Schengen C visa applications are limited amid increased application numbers during the peak travel season of May to August. Travelers should plan as much in advance as possible for upcoming travel to the Schengen Area. It is also recommended that businesses and business travelers remain flexible to ensure sufficient time for obtaining the appropriate visa prior to travel to the Schengen Area," said immigration law firm Fragomen in a post.

For travellers from India, it is suggested:

1. Apply for a visa several weeks or even months earlier than usual during peak season, particularly for: family holidays, business conferences, and multi-country Europe itineraries.
2. Business travellers are also being advised to remain flexible with meeting schedules and travel dates to accommodate possible delays in visa issuance.

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